Extra-scarce Imperial Navy badge. This is the Navy Short-Term Commission Badge. From what I gather, the Navy was desperate for skilled sailors, so they had a program that would bring in doctors, engineers, etc to help for a 2-year period. They dangled the prize of only having to serve for two years, and then not be drafted or called upon again. This badge was given to them upon completion of the service.

The program was quite limited and thus these badges are extremely hard to find. The quality is exceptional. Made of silver with enameled ovals and stripes (appears to be stems and leaves), a nicely pebbled background, and an attached blossom.

Peterson labels this the 'Badge for Army Service in the Navy' (pg. 94), but this appears to be incorrect. The reverse of the badge and the box lid are inscribed 'Navy Short Service Completion Badge.' Another Japanese source gives this English translation: 'Navy Short-term Commission Badge.'

Peterson also mentions a leather case. I haven't seen one, but there may be different kinds of cases. (You can see this instance happen in the awarding of Type II war wound badges, for example.) The measurements given in Peterson's book are the same as this badge and box.

These may not be actual badges, but they were awarded to students of the Naval Academy for outstanding achievement. It is not clear whether these were actually worn or just given as a prize.The box is inscribed 'Award Badge.' 賞章 Shoushou

'Long Service, Yokosuka Navy Arsenal.'

'Long Service, Sasebo Navy Arsenal.'2nd Class bronze

'10-Year Long Service, Kure Navy Arsenal.'

Imperial Navy Air Arsenal badge. The obverse has two characters that read 'Good Conduct.' The reverse says 'First Naval Air Arsenal.' The original case reads 'Meritorious Labor Badge.'

The Navy Air Technical Arsenal was located in Yokosuka. It was completed on April 1, 1932 and discontinued, of course, in 1945. The arsenal was involved in the design of aircraft as well as technical development of a number of other things related to aircraft.

In 1940 the name was altered from that on the badge to the Naval Air Technical Arsenal, and again in 1945 to the First Naval Air Technical Arsenal.

Since the 'First' on the reverse is stamped in while the other characters are raised, I am guessing that this badge was made prior to 1940 and then awarded in 1945, with the new kanji added. The word 'technical' would have had to be put in the middle of the old name, so that old name couldn't be changed.

What follows are some naval arsenal long service badges. There were three classes of this badge, and they probably related to the number of years worked at the arsenal. My written sources state that the 1st Class was silver-colored, the 2nd Class bronze, and the 3rd Class iron. However, there are some gold-colored small badges and bronze-colored larger badges. I'm unsure of why this is.

An award from the Ministry of the Navy, dated Imperial Year 2600 [1940]. The wood plaque is in the shape of a traditional Japanese shield, and the attached metal plate shows the famous monument in Miyazaki then called the 'All the World Under One Roof Tower.'

Inscribed on the case and plaque 'Imperial Year 2600 [1940], Ministry of the Navy, Naval Review Commemorative.'

The red ribbon says 'Made by Hinago Jitsuzou.' Hinago was a famous sculptor (b.1892-d.1945) who designed many medals as well as larger works like this monument.

This monument was unveiled in the same year as this award is dated, so perhaps the naval review was conducted in Miyazaki.

The plaque measures about 17 cm by 10.5 cm

The actual monument Hinago designed. This still stands in Miyazaki City, re-named the Peace Tower. The wartime inscription remains intact.

This academy of the Navy was only open for about 4 years, from April 1, 1941 to July 15, 1945. It was located in Kurihama, Yokosuka.

I translated kousaku as 'machinist,' but that word in English is a bit narrow. Cadets at this academy learned everything from construction to damage control. Including but not restricted to forging, welding, diving-related construction, fortification, etc.

This arsenal was established in 1919 and was located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Hiratsuka City. The '3rd' stamp most likely refers to the arsenal section, of which there were seven. This section was primarily concerned with the production of acid, the collection of waste acid, and the production of coal gas.